Europhile Phil even found a surprise £3billion for a Brexit contingency fund, even more than his Euro-sceptic critics on the Tory backbenches had been demanding. From somewhere in the Treasury, embattled Mr Hammond appeared to have conjured up the cash to save his job.

Reports of “poisonous” relations between the Chancellor and Theresa May had circulated in Westminster in the run up to the Budget. Yet on the day, the pair managed to put on a comedy skit.

Mrs May then flourished a packet of Strepsils from her pocket and plonked it on the table.

A politician whose career is on life support might need more than a cough sweet but at least the routine revealed a degree of cooperation amid the Cabinet squabbling.

For the second Budget in a row, Mr Hammond demonstrated that his talents are better suited to accountancy than stand-up comedy. He fluffed a gag about Labour's former leader in Scotland, Kezia Dugdale, disappearing off to the jungle to in a reality television show by mispronouncing her name.

Later, he risked a joke at the expense of Cabinet colleague Michael Gove, who is said to be itching to take over at the Treasury, and his newfound love of “economicky words”.

Mr Hammond even took a dig at his own reputation for being something of a calculating machine.

"More maths for everyone - don't let anyone say I don't know how to show the nation a good time,” the Chancellor said on announcing extra cash for teaching.

The jokes and fiscal generosity generated an end-of-term, almost festive atmosphere in the Chamber. Mr Hammond even wished Commons Deputy Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, in the chair for the Budget, a “Merry Christmas”.

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Only Jeremy Corbyn’s mithering could punctuate the party atmosphere in the Commons

And the jovial Mr Hoyle continued the theme when admonishing some boisterous behaviour by MPs.

"If somebody wants to go for an early cup of tea, please do so; I'm told there are mince pies awaiting,” he said.

Only Jeremy Corbyn’s mithering could punctuate the party atmosphere in the Commons today.